In a positive turn of events, New York's major advertising agencies have acknowledged that they have kept African Americans out of their senior ranks and are taking steps to change (or will accept punishment if they don't). Both the government and the agency clients have expressed frustration over the hiring and promotion practices at Madison Avenue agencies.
The New York Times, which has reported on this issue in the past, reports today on its front page that the agencies will make changes after pressure was exerted by the City's government leaders.
Given the stereotyping of African Americans and other minorities in corporate advertising it really should come as no surprise that these groups have not been active participants in the leadership decisions made about the direction of advertising.
It depresses me that students who I help train to take junior or mid-level positions in marketing and advertising may never be able to reach the higher levels of agency leadership simply because of a broken system that is out of step with the changing society and changing demographics of our nation. I continue to hope that, sooner or later, corporate advertisers will avoid agencies that avoid diversity at all levels, including the most senior positions.
Click [here] to read the Times' story by Dianne Cardwell and Stuart Elliott.
- Adam
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